Ultimate Guide to Garden & Professional Weed Sprayers in the UK (Knapsack, Handheld & Pro Systems)

Maintaining a weed-free garden, lawn, or landscaped area in the UK often hinges on choosing the right sprayer — the tool that delivers herbicides, selective or total weed controllers, fertilisers, moss killers, and other liquid solutions evenly, safely and efficiently. From compact handheld models for spot treatment to large capacity backpack and professional sprayers for estates and commercial use, this guide covers the sprayers most used by gardeners, landscapers, councils, contractors, and turf professionals across the UK.

Whether you’re applying selective weed killers on lawns or total herbicides on hard surfaces, the right sprayer makes a huge difference in outcome, safety, and ease of use.

Sprayer Types & When to Use Them

1. Handheld Sprayers

Perfect for:

• Small gardens

• Spot treating weeds

• Applying pesticides and foliar feeds

Advantages:

• Lightweight and inexpensive

• Easy to operate around delicate plants

• Great for flowerbeds, borders, patios

Limitations:

• Small capacity

• Not ideal for large areas

2. Knapsack (Backpack) Sprayers

Perfect for:

• Large gardens and lawns

• Sports turf and pitches

• Estates, councils, contractors

Advantages:

• High capacity (8–20L+)

• Comfortable for longer use

• Strong pressure and even coverage

Limitations:

• Slightly heavier

• Best with some practice

How to Choose a Good Sprayer (UK Considerations)

Capacity:
Choose based on area — small gardens may need 1.5–5L, while estates or sports turf benefit from 15–20L.

Build quality:
Look for corrosion-resistant tanks, robust seals, and quality pumps — especially if using herbicides.

Pressure & nozzle control:
Good control avoids drift, protects non-target plants, and ensures consistent coverage.

Comfort:
Padded straps and ergonomic design matter for larger knapsack sprayers.

Cleaning & maintenance:
Ease of flushing and rinsing extends sprayer life and prevents cross-contamination.

Top Sprayers in the GardenersSupplies.co.uk Range

Below are some of the most reliable sprayer models used by UK gardeners and professionals:

? Cooper Pegler (CP) Sprayers – Long-standing UK Favourite

CP846250 Maxipro 8L Composite Sprayer

• Mid-size sprayer ideal for medium gardens and targeted weed control

• Composite body resists chemicals and UV

• Perfect for liquid herbicides, fungicides, and fertilisers

CP846249 Maxipro 5L Sprayer

• Compact version for small areas

• Lightweight and easy to carry

• Ideal for spot weed treatment and foliar feed

CP846238 Minipro 1.5L Composite Sprayer

• Small, ultra-portable option

• Great for terrace gardens, patios, and greenhouse use

• Excellent for precision spraying

CP846255 CP15 Classic 15L Sprayer

• Bigger capacity for larger plots and regular use

• Perfect for weed control on big properties or larger beds

CP846341 CP15 S2000 15L Pist.Knapsack

• Professional-grade knapsack with piston pump for consistent pressure

• Best for regular, repeated use

CP846361 CP3 S2000 20L Pist.Knapsack

• Larger capacity for commercial and contract use

• Strong build, reliable for heavy herbicide and liquid fertiliser programmes

CP846320 CP3 Classic 20L Diaphragm Knapsack

• Diaphragm pump offers smooth operation

• Suitable for weed killers and liquid feeds over large areas

? Matabi & Vermorel – Popular Professional Choices

Matabi Evolution 16 Sprayer

• 16L capacity with robust pump mechanism

• Comfortable for extensive treatments

• Ideal for contractors and landscapers

Vermorel 2000 Pro Comfort 16L

• Well-balanced knapsack with comfort straps

• Durable for heavy-duty applications

• Good choice for both professional weed control and fertiliser work

Berthoud Cosmos 18 Pro Knapsack (18L)

• Large professional sprayer with ergonomic design

• Excellent for councils and estates

• High capacity and consistent pressure

? Chapin – American-Designed Versatile Sprayers

Chapin Backpack Sprayer / 15ltr (61800)

• Comfortable & reliable for large coverage

• Suitable for weed killers, pesticides, and feed sprays

Chapin Hand Sprayer / 1.5ltr (1002)

• Small handheld option for fine applications

• Great for precision in beds and pot plants

Chapin Pressure Sprayer / 7.6ltr (26021XP)

• Mid-size for garden and small-to-medium lawn areas

• XP model for extended reach and durability

Chapin Pressure Sprayer / 11.2ltr (26031XP)

• Larger volume with good balance

• Suitable for weed killer, feed, and fungicide applications

Chapin Pressure Sprayer / 15ltr (79500)

• Full-sized garden sprayer with strong pump

• Ideal for medium to large domestic gardens

Sprayer Features That Matter For UK Use

Tank Material

Look for chemical-resistant plastics or composites. These resist glyphosate, selective herbicides, and fertiliser corrosion.

Pump Type

• Piston pumps deliver strong pressure, ideal for knapsack sprayers.

• Diaphragm pumps are smoother and can be easier to maintain.

Nozzle Control

Interchangeable nozzles let you adjust spray pattern — from fine mist for foliar feeds to coarse sprays for weed jackets on rough ground.

Comfort Straps & Padding

Essential for extended use on lawns, parks, or sports pitches.

Calibration

Measure the area and calibrate sprays (ml per m²) — this ensures the correct dose of herbicide or fertiliser is applied, improves effectiveness and saves product cost.

How to Maintain Your Sprayer (Step-by-Step)

1. Flush after each use — rinse with clean water to avoid residue buildup

2. Pump up and release a few times with clean water to clean internal seals

3. Unscrew and rinse nozzles separately

4. Lubricate seals if recommended (CP and Matabi often recommend periodic maintenance)

5. Store dry & away from frost to protect seals and plastic bodies

Proper maintenance increases lifespan and avoids unwanted chemical carryover.

Sprayer Safety Tips (UK Compliance)

✔ Always wear PPE — gloves, goggles, boots, long sleeves
✔ Avoid spraying in windy conditions (reduces drift)
✔ Keep children & pets away from treated zones
✔ Do not spray near drains or watercourses unless product is labelled for that use
✔ Never mix pesticides and fertilisers in the same tank without checking compatibility

Common Sprayer Use Cases

Weed Control

• Apply total weed killers on paths and hard surfaces (using robust knapsacks)

• Apply selective weed killers on lawns with precision (via low-drift nozzles)

Fertiliser Application

• Liquid feed applications for lawns and borders

• Foliar feed to shrubs and ornamentals

Pesticide & Fungicide Delivery

• Spot treatment on susceptible plants

• Broad coverage for pest outbreaks

Public & Commercial Sites

Large capacity sprayers (18–20L) are practical for councils, estates, hotels and sports facilities.

Choosing the Right Sprayer for Your Use

Conclusion

Selecting the right sprayer is as important as choosing the right weed killer, fertiliser, or pesticide. Whether you need precision spot treatment in a borderscape or heavy-duty coverage across lawns, parks, or estates, there’s a sprayer designed for the job.

From compact handheld units like the CP846238 Minipro 1.5L to professional-grade backpack sprayers like the Berthoud Cosmos 18 Pro and CP3 S2000 20L, GardenersSupplies.co.uk stocks a wide range built for UK conditions and weed control needs.

Sprayers aren’t just tools — they are precision delivery systems that improve weed control effectiveness, reduce waste, and protect non-target plants. Choosing the right one ensures healthier gardens, greener lawns, and safer landscapes throughout the UK growing season.